This poem was originally written for Tackle it Tuesdays. However, the poem has its origins in my early days as a junior executive at the 100 year old Royal Lake Club Kuala Lumpur, over 20 years ago. I had newly joined the Club, and normally spent my lunchtime at The Buttery. I was determined not to forget my love for poetry and spent that relaxing one hour having lunch and writing poetry.

The Buttery had floor to ceiling windows overlooking the century old Lake Gardens.

Fresh flowers adorned the restaurant in those days. And they were changed every three days. To make the flowers stand, spikes were placed at the bottom of the vases.

And I thought to myself, so often, we have to use harsh measures to look beautiful. Why?